A long layover in Siborong-Borong is an opportunity, not an inconvenience. Rather than watching departure boards at Silangit Airport for hours, step outside and explore. The city center is about 70 minutes away, and this guide has the practical details you need to pull it off without stress.
Quick Checks Before Leaving the Airport
Three things to verify before you walk out of DTB:
- Can you legally enter Indonesia? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 70-minute journey each way by Taxi / Shared Van, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the IDR. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some IDR in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Transport from Silangit Airport to Downtown
The most straightforward way into Siborong-Borong is the Taxi / Shared Van, which takes about 70 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 90 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Taxi / Shared Van is usually the smarter call.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Here’s a rough breakdown of what a quick trip into Siborong-Borong might cost in USD:
- Transport (round trip): ~$5 USD
- A meal: ~$4 USD
- Miscellaneous: ~$10 USD
- Estimated total: ~$19 USD
If you’re only out for a few hours, you might not need much cash at all — many places accept contactless payments.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at DTB aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Siborong-Borong itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Siborong-Borong, we’d suggest King Sisingamangaraja XII Museum (Museum Batak Balige) and Balige Traditional Market (Pasar Balige). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare. The atmosphere alone makes it worth a visit, even if you don’t buy anything.
If you’d rather stay inside DTB — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Silangit Executive Lounge
- Toko Oleh-oleh Silangit
Food Worth Trying
Two dining recommendations if you’re heading into Siborong-Borong: RM Anda Balige and Kedai Kopi Sitorus. Both are accessible without a huge time commitment.
Staying at the airport? Look for Bandara Silangit Cafe or Kopi Tiam Silangit. Airport food may not be glamorous, but it’ll keep you fueled up for the next leg.
Need a Nap? Options at DTB
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, DTB has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at DTB for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Siborong-Borong or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Siborong-Borong count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave DTB. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.